CHENNAI: Pakistan hockey team sustained a big blow ahead of the clash against China in the ongoing Asian Hockey Champions Trophy as Muhammad Abdullah’s participation in the match is in doubt due to ailment.
According to the national team’s coach, Olympian Muhammad Saqlain told that Muhammad Abdullah complained of a high fever, and was subsequently admitted to a local hospital here.
However, after remaining under observation for a few hours, doctors revealed that Abdullah’s health status is improving and he will be discharged in the evening.
Pakistan’s team is yet to win a single game in the Asian Champions Trophy 2023, as they drew 3-3 against Japan yesterday.
Japan had the upper hand until the final minutes of the game, however, Pakistan’s Muhammad Khan scored an equalizing penalty stroke in the last five minutes to draw the game.
Pakistan started the match on a high with a goal in the 9th minute but only for Japan to equalize in the 13th minute. But Pakistan took the lead again, just minutes before halftime.
Japan came with renewed energy in the second half and kept creating chances until they scored one to equalize.
Japan, filled with one momentum, extended their dominance and took the lead with another goal.
Japan’s 3-2 advantage lasted until Muhammad Khan scored an equalizing penalty just minutes before the final whistle.
Pakistan’s last game also ended in a 1-1 draw against South Korea. They had the lead early on, but couldn’t hold on to it for long as South Korea scored in the 53rd minute.
This is the 7th edition of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy. Pakistan have won the tournament in 2012 and 2013, while India have won in 2011 and 2016.
The 2018 edition saw Pakistan and India jointly sharing the trophy as the final was forfeited due to persistent rain.
Defending champions South Korea won the tournament in 2021 after thumping Japan on penalties.
Green Shirts will face China, today, while their clash with arch-rivals India is scheduled on August 9.
READ: Pakistan’s squad for Hockey Asian Champions Trophy announced